Bikes behind the Dykes

Arjan Dijksterhuis

The Moto Grand Prix in Assen, The Netherlands

The TT Circuit Assen, which is located one mile s-w of Assen, is the home of the annual Dutch Motorcycle Grand Prix, known world-wide as the Dutch TT and is one of the classic events in the World Championship Calendar. The Dutch TT is traditionally held on the last Saturday in June and this year, the 76th Dutch TT, (A-Styler TT Assen) it was on Saturday, 24th June 2006. The Moto GP is the world's premier motorcycling championship, with a season of seventeen Grand Prix races in five continents across the globe. Apart from the main programme, the Moto Grand Prix, the programme also included two extra races. Several helicopters flew in during the practice days and the Grand Prix on the Saturday. There were two helipads, one, only temporary, was located inside the circuit and was used both by the 'response ready' HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) helicopter as well as two other helicopters, there to be used for aerial filming. The second heliport was located just outside the gate and was used for VIP arrivals and departures.

Aerial Filming and Broadcasting

A German company, Heliteam SŸd had been contracted by Dorna (an international sports management...